Luminescence Properties Research Articles

Tunable Luminescent Properties and Multifunctional Imaging Applications of (Gd1-xRx)2O2S:Tb3+ (R = Y, La) Phosphor and Screen.

Gd2O2S:Tb3+ phosphor screens are widely used in image intensifiers, computed tomography, and neutron imaging. To improve the luminescent properties and thermal stability, (Gd1-xRx)2O2S:yTb3+ (R = Y, La) (x = 0, 0.05, 0.15, 0.25, and 0.35; y = 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, and 0.10) phosphors were successfully prepared by the carbothermal reduction method. The luminescent spectra showed that the optimum concentrations of Tb3+ ions were 6 and 4 mol % when excited by 292 nm UV light and cathode ray, respectively. The emission wavelengths mainly peaked at 489 and 544 nm. It was found that the introduction of Y3+ ions could improve the luminescent intensity, and the luminescent intensity of (Gd1-xYx)2O2S:0.06Tb3+ was the highest at x = 0.25, while La3+ ions played the opposite role. Then, the thermal stability also improved, and the emission intensities of Gd2O2S:0.06Tb3+, (Gd0.75Y0.25)2O2S:0.06Tb3+, and (Gd0.75La0.25)2O2S:0.06Tb3+ phosphors at 423 K decreased to 66.22%, 68.23%, and 76.10% of the emission intensities at 303 K, respectively. Finally, the (Gd0.75Y0.25)2O2S:0.06Tb3+ phosphor screen was successfully prepared by the gravity deposition method and could be well imaged under UV light and cathode ray excitation with a CMOS camera. In summary, this study demonstrates that (Gd1-xRx)2O2S:Tb3+ (R = Y, La) is a phosphor with excellent luminescent and thermal stability properties and has great potential for application in the field of low-level-light night vision, nondestructive testing, and medical imaging.

Synthesis of low-dimensional metal halide CsAgCl2 for X-ray scintillation applications

Low-dimensional metal halides, which possess efficient luminescent properties, have garnered significant interest in the fields of optoelectronics and radiation detection. This study introduces novel lead-free silver-based metal halide material, CsAgCl2 microcrystals (MCs). These MCs have a one-dimensional atomic chain structure and a unique [AgCl5]4- tetragonal shared triangular configuration. CsAgCl2 MCs exhibit excellent performance as X-ray scintillators due to their bright broadband yellow emission and fast decay time in the microsecond range. The large Stokes shift of 350 nm is produced by self-trapped exciton emission. In X-ray scintillation applications, CsAgCl2 MCs demonstrate a high light yield of 13280 photons/MeV and a wide range of linear scintillation response. It is noteworthy that the CsAgCl2 MCs maintain good stability under both atmospheric conditions and continuous X-ray irradiation. The sample was used in an X-ray imaging screen, which clearly presented the X-ray projection image of a wooden stick. As a result, this research not only contributes to the collection of lead-free metal halide scintillators but also indicates that CsAgCl2 MCs have a wide range of future applications and potential in areas such as medical imaging, scientific research, and diagnostic and detection technologies.

Temperature‐Dependent Reversible Afterglow Between Green, Orange, and Red in Dual‐Delay Organic Doped Material

AbstractAchieving a wide‐range color‐tunable and dynamically long‐afterglow emission in a single‐doped system remains a challenge. In this study, a unique host‐guest doped material, TPA‐PTPQ/TPA, exhibits dual‐delay emission at 516 and 605 nm, both with long lifetimes of up to 108 and 145 ms, which derives from thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) and room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) mechanisms, respectively. Notably, this host‐guest material demonstrates a temperature‐dependent dynamically reversible afterglow characteristic, transitioning green, orange, and red with a substantial spectra shift of ≈90 nm under different temperature conditions. This phenomenon is due to the diverse temperature effect on TADF and RTP emissions. These remarkable luminescence properties are successfully applied in security checks and anti‐counterfeiting encryption. This study provides valuable insights into the design of dynamically reversible dual‐delay‐emissive long‐afterglow luminescent materials based on a host‐guest doping system.

Photoluminescence and thermally stimulated luminescence properties of Sr3Y(PO4)3 single crystals doped with dy

Sr3Y(PO4)3 (SYPO) is recognized as a highly promising material for dosimetry applications, owing to its dosimetric properties. In this work, we synthesized the SYPO single crystals doped with 0.1, 0.5, 1, and 5 % Dy using the floating zone furnace to evaluate the photoluminescence and thermally stimulated luminescence (TSL) characteristics. All the SYPO single crystals doped with Dy exhibited emission peaks at 480, 580, 670, and 760 nm in PL and TSL spectra. These emission peaks were typical for the 4f–4f transitions of Dy3+ ions. The SYPO single crystal doped with 0.1 % Dy displayed a glow peak in the TSL glow curve at 70 °C. The SYPO single crystals doped with 0.5, 1, and 5 % Dy showed two glow peaks at approximately 70 and 110 °C. The SYPO single crystal doped with 0.5 % Dy exhibited the highest TSL intensity with a lower detection limit of 0.1 mGy. The SYPO single crystal doped with 0.5 % Dy showed a spatial resolution of 50.0 μm after X-ray irradiation of 1Gy.

Luminescence properties of Sr2Ga2GeO7:Bi3+ phosphors and temperature sensing characteristics of co-doped Sm3.

As one of the fundamental physical quantities, temperature is extremely important in various fields. In order to study the temperature sensing characteristics of dual-emitting center phosphors, Bi3+-doped and Bi3+/Sm3+-doped Sr2Ga2GeO7 phosphors were synthesized by high-temperature solid-phase method. Under 312 nm excitation, the Sr2Ga2GeO7:Bi3+ phosphor exhibits a blue broadband emission corresponding to the 3P1 → 1S0 transition of Bi3+ ions. By testing the temperature change spectrum of phosphors, it was found that Bi3+ exhibited strong thermal sensitivity. However, due to the fact that single ion doped phosphors are easily affected by other factors when applied to the field of temperature sensing, based on the thermal sensitivity of Bi3+, Sm3+ with low temperature sensitivity was selected as the co-doped ion, and it was found that the two ions had different thermal quenching characteristics when the temperature change spectrum was tested. Using the temperature detection method based on the fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) of the dual emission centers, it was found that the best absolute sensitivity Sa was 3.125% K-1 and the maximum relative sensitivity Sr was 1.275% K-1 in the range of 303-423 K. These results show that Sr2Ga2GeO7:Bi3+/Sm3+ phosphors have broad application prospects in the field of optical temperature sensing.

Exploration of structural and luminescent properties of Tb3+-doped Ca12Al14O33 phosphors: potential for plasma display panel technology

Exploration of structural and luminescent properties of Tb3+-doped Ca12Al14O33 phosphors: potential for plasma display panel technology

Optical characterization of GaN:Eu microcrystals grown by the ammonothermal method

Eu-doped gallium nitride (GaN:Eu) microcrystals with a wurtzite crystal structure were synthesized using the ammonothermal method. The Eu concentration of GaN:Eu microcrystals estimated by glow discharge mass spectrometry (GDMS) was 5.8 × 1020 atoms/cm3. The morphology of GaN:Eu microcrystals was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The exposed crystal faces of GaN:Eu microcrystals were identified as {10−10}, {10−11}, (000−1), and (0001), respectively. The photoluminescence excitation (PLE), photoluminescence (PL) and time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) spectra of GaN:Eu microcrystals revealed two luminescent sites of Eu3+ ions, designated as Eu0 and Eu1. The Eu0 was excited in the range of 300 nm to 420 nm, resulting in the observation of four characteristic luminescence peaks at 599 nm (5D0-7F1), 620 nm (5D0-7F2), 632 nm (5D1-7F4), and 663 nm (5D0-7F3). The Eu1 was associated with O2- ions and emitted light at specific excitation wavelengths. The main luminescence peak of the Eu1 was located at 614 nm, accompanied with characteristic peaks at 578 nm, 591 nm, and 698 nm. In view of the distinct luminescence properties of the Eu0 and the Eu1, the energy transfer processes of two luminescence sites were proposed.

Trace element analysis and luminescence behavior of quartz in pegmatites of the Tørdal Region, Norway

This publication presents a study on the mineral chemistry and luminescence properties of quartz samples from pegmatites of the Tørdal region in Norway. A total of 12 samples were analyzed using Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS), Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (EPR), and Cathodoluminescence (CL) to gain insights into their trace element concentration and distribution as well as their luminescence behavior. The samples are characterized by different Cl emissions at 450 nm, 500 nm 650 nm and an additional shoulder at 390 nm, which is only partially visible due to the absorption of the glass optics. Of these luminescence bands, the 500 nm band is the most dominant in most samples and it is characterized by an initial blue-green luminescence, which is not stable under electron irradiation. Moreover, it is characterized by a heterogeneous distribution within the samples. This luminescence can be mostly assigned to [AlO4/M+]0 defects, with charge compensation mostly achieved by Li+. Analyses by EPR spectroscopy prove the dominance of structurally bound Al, Li, and Ti ions in the investigated samples. Further analyses using SIMS mapping demonstrate that Na and K are mainly bound to micro fractures or inclusions, suggesting a limited role in the compensation of the luminescence centers. Additionally, the SIMS mappings show that some samples contain Al-rich clusters of 10 to 20 μm in diameter, whereas other trace elements are characterized by a homogeneous distribution. These clusters correspond to bright luminescence areas in size and shape and could potentially indicate H+ compensated [AlO4/M+]0 defects.

Investigation of luminescence properties and energy transfer mechanism in Sm3+ and Eu3+ co-doped BaY2ZnO5 red phosphors

In this investigation, the photoluminescence properties, energy transfer phenomenon of BaY2ZnO5:Sm3+/Eu3+ doped/co-doped phosphor are reported and synthesized by high temperature solid state reaction method. The crystal structure, micromorphology, optical diffuse reflectance and photoluminescence properties of the samples were studied. The results show that concentration quenching phenomenon is found. With the increase of Eu3+ ion concentration, the emission peaks of Sm3+ gradually decrease, indicating that energy transfer between Sm3+ and Eu3+. The optimal concentrations are 0.05 mol and 0.2 mol for single doping Sm3+ and Eu3+, respectively. The energy transfer efficiency is calculated to be 78.47–95.19 %. The BaY2ZnO5 phosphors have potential application value in the fields of white light LEDs and anti-counterfeiting.

Preparation and properties of GdPO4:Dy3+ phosphors and ceramics with high thermal stability

In this work, Gd1-xPO4:xDy3+ powders were synthesized by calcining the mixed raw materials at 1273 K and the optimal doping concentration was determined. Then the optimized composition powders were fabricated as ceramics after granulation, pressing and sintering. Meanwhile, the luminescent properties of the phosphors and ceramics, especially the thermal stability, were discussed. The results revealed that Gd1-xPO4:xDy3+ exhibited two strong emission peaks of blue light and yellow light under the excitation of 349 nm, ascribed to the energy level transition from 4F9/2 to 6H15/2 and 6H13/2 of the electrons of Dy3+, and the color coordinates were located in the white light region. The optimal doping concentration of Dy3+ was found as 0.1, and the electronic dipole-dipole interaction contributed to the concentration quenching. It was noted that the phosphors had good thermal stability. Specifically, the thermal stability was further improved after the ceramics was formed and the relative intensity between the blue and yellow changed the opposite, indicating different occupation sites of Dy3+.

Achieving efficient self-trapped excitons emission by suppressing defect level in Sb3+ doped metal halide

The field of metal halide engineering has made considerable progress, yet additional studies are needed to completely grasp the intriguing principles that govern their luminescence. In this work, we report a novel zero-dimensional (0D) organic-inorganic metal halide hybrid (OIMH) (C3H12N2)2InCl7 (C3H12N2 = 1,3-propane diamine cation) and reveal its interesting luminescent properties through experimental research and theoretical calculations. The photoluminescence (PL) of (C3H12N2)2InCl7 is a synergistic combination of intrinsic self-trapped exciton (STE) emission and defect-bound exciton (DBE) emission. Doping with Sb3+ induces several changes in (C3H12N2)2InCl7, including defect passivation, a reduction in the band gap, and structural shrinkage. These modifications result in a transition of PL centers to external STE emission, with the photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) increasing from 4.44 % to 68.70 %. Our work proposes, for the first time, the synergistic emission of STE and DBE and reveals the effect of metal ion doping, providing new insights into the mechanisms of materials exhibiting multifunctional exciton emission.

Luminescent lanthanide metallopeptides for biomolecule sensing and cellular imaging.

Lanthanide ions display unique luminescent properties that make them particularly attractive for the development of bioprobes, including long-lived excited states that allow the implementation of time-gated experiments and the elimination of background fluorescence associated with biological media, as well as narrow emission bands in comparison with typical organic fluorophores, which allow ratiometric and multiplex assays. These luminescent complexes can be combined with peptide ligands to endow them with additional targeting, responsiveness, and selectivity, thus multiplying the opportunities for creative probe design. In this feature article we will present some of the main strategies that researchers have used to develop lanthanide metallopeptide probes for the detection of proteins and nucleic acids, as well as for monitoring enzymatic activity and cellular imaging.

Luminescent Ln-MOFs for Chemical Sensing Application on Biomolecules.

At present, the application of rare-earth organic frameworks (Ln-MOFs) in fluorescence sensing has entered rapid development and shown great potential in various analytical fields, such as environmental analysis, food analysis, drug analysis, and biological and clinical analysis by utilizing their internal porosity, tunable structural size, and energy transfer between rare-earth ions, ligands, and photosensitizer molecules. In addition, because the luminescence properties of rare-earth ions are highly dependent on the structural details of the coordination environment surrounding the rare-earth ions, and although their excitation lifetimes are long, they are usually not burst by oxygen and can provide an effective platform for chemical sensing. In order to further promote the development of fluorescence sensing technology based on Ln-MOFs, we summarize and review in detail the latest progress of the construction of Ln-MOF materials for fluorescence sensing applications and related sensor components, including design strategies, preparation methods, and modification considerations and initially propose the future development prospects and prospects.

A novel Zn(II) coordination polymer based on viologen: Photochromism, photocontrolled luminescence, ammonia vapor sensing, and luminescent sensing

A novel Zn(II) coordination polymer, {[Zn4(BTEC)3][(3-BCBPY)2]·5H2O}n (compound 1), was synthesized based on viologen ligand (3-BCBPY·2Cl = 1,1′-bis(3-cyanobenzyl)-4,4′-bipyridinium chloride), benzoic acid (H4BTEC = 1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylic acid) and ZnCl2. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the Zn(II) ions are bridged by BTEC4− anions, giving rise to a 3D structure, with the 3-BCBPY2+ cations occupying the pores within the channels of compound 1. This compound displays photoactivity, undergoing significant color transformations under ultraviolet light irradiation. Furthermore, to gain a deeper theoretical understanding of the color-changing behavior of compound 1, time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) was employed. Additionally, compound 1 demonstrates ammonia vapor sensing capabilities, along with intriguing light-modulated luminescence properties. Notably, it also exhibits significant sensing abilities for Fe3+ and Cr2O72− ions, even at low concentrations (10−5 M). This compound not only showcases its applications in the realms of photochromism, but also explores its potential in ammonia vapor detection and ion sensing.

Synthesis, Structure and Luminescence Properties of Mn-doped MgAl2O4 Red-Emitting Phosphors with Varying Sintering Temperature.

Oxide matrix red-emitting phosphors are deemed as excellent color converters for white light emitting diodes (WLEDs) and laser diodes (LDs). Manganese-doped MgAl2O4 powder was synthesized by a solid-state reaction method at different sintering temperatures. Microstructure shows that grain size is mainly in the range of 0.2-5μm, and grain agglomeration occurs with increased sintering temperature. XPS analysis indicates that the doped Mn ion exhibits a valence state of + 4 within the MgAl2O4 matrix. The diffraction peak of the phosphors is shifted by the sintering temperature, which affects lattice constant. Upon excitation by 300nm ultraviolet light, the samples emit asymmetric broadband red light within the range of 620-720nm, attributed to Mn4+ ion's transition from 2Eg to 4A2g states. With the increasing temperature, the main emission peak shifts from 677nm to 650nm, ascribed to the change in energy level (2Eg) resulting from the reduction of Al2O3 phase. Crystal field theory confirmed that Mn4+ ions are within a strong crystal field environment created by MgAl2O4 matrix. By affecting particle size and crystallinity, the sintering temperature influences the fluorescence lifetime of the Mn4+ ion. Notably, these red-emitting phosphors exhibits remarkable thermal stability as their emission intensity remains approximately at 58% of initial intensity even at elevated temperature (435K). Consequently, Mn4+: MgAl2O4 red-emitting phosphors with high thermal stability render them promising candidates for WLED applications.

An extensive inquisition on the impact of modifier oxides over the luminescent properties of Eu3+ embedded Li-Al tri-former glasses for photonic applications

A novel, tri-former glasses with the composition 45B2O3+12P2O5+8SiO2+3Al2O3+10LiF+20MO+1Eu2O3 with varying metal oxides have been fabricated following the melt-quenching technique. The absorption, luminescence and radiative decay measurements were carried out, and the specific colour emitted by the glass sample was determined employing the CIE chromaticity diagram. While monitoring the excitation at 393 nm, luminescence spectra of all the glass samples exhibit red emission pertaining to the 5D0→7F2 transition at around 615 nm. The local geometry around the Eu3+ ions site and the nature of the Rare Earth ion-ligand bond have been analyzed employing Judd-Ofelt theory and the R/O ratio spectral parameter. The intensity parameters follows the trend as Ω2 > Ω4 > Ω6 and the results are co-related well with the R/O ratio spectral parameter values. Radiative properties such as σPE, βR and AR of every glass in the present series possess higher values, and the FWHM exhibits lower value, indicating the potentiality of the BPSAEu:M glasses for lasing applications. Among the prepared samples, BPSAEu:Ba glass exhibit higher values for σPE and AR as 42.3 × 10−22 cm2 and 641.71 s−1 respectively which are apt for laser applications. The quantum yield pertaining to the 5D0→7F2 transition exhibit more than 65 % for all the samples and particularly Barium oxide incorporated glass BPSAEu:Ba exhibits 84 %. The present study suggests that BPASEu:Ba glass is a promising luminescent material for photonic/LED applications.

Structural and luminescence properties of Y2O3:Ho3+ phosphor: Potential applications in plant cultivation LEDs and thermoluminescent dosimetry

Current research on Y2O3:Ho3+ phosphors highlight their promising luminescence properties, but often lacks an environmentally friendly synthesis method and comprehensive analysis of their applications. In this study, we address these gaps by successfully synthesizing Y2O3:Ho3+ phosphors using a green synthesis route with varying concentrations of Ho3+. Our work provides detailed characterization of their photoluminescence (PL) and thermoluminescent (TL) properties. The PL excitation (PLE) spectra reveal a distinct peak at 439 nm, attributed to the 5I8→(5K5; 5G5) transition of Ho3+ions. Upon excitation at 439 nm, the emission spectra show a sharp emission peak around 660 nm from the 5F5→5I8 transition, with the 0.1 mol% Ho3+ phosphors exhibiting particularly strong red emission, indicating their suitability for indoor plant cultivation under LED lighting. Additionally, TL properties were evaluated after gamma-ray exposure, with the highest emission intensity at 0.1 mol% Ho3+ concentration. TL glow curves were analyzed for various radiation doses using the Computerized Glow Curve Deconvolution (CGCD) method, and TL trapping parameters were determined through Chen's peak shape and the Initial Rise methods. This work demonstrates significant potential for using these phosphors to enhance indoor plant growth and for applications in thermoluminescent dosimetry (TLD).

Comprehensive analysis of chemical composition, electronic, luminescent, and electrical properties of amorphous graphite-silicon carbide thin films: A comparative study of as-deposited and post-annealed states

Graphite/SiC (GSC) thin films were synthesized on silicon substrates via a spray method, depositing a Si-graphite solution on preheated silicon samples at 350 °C, followed by annealing at 800 °C for 4 h. A systematic approach was employed to ensure the effective incorporation of graphite into the SiC material during solution preparation. Various analytical techniques, including XPS, UPS, Reflection Energy Electron Loss Spectroscopy (REELS), PL, AFM, and Hall effect measurements, were employed for comparative analysis of the chemical composition, morphological, electrical, and optoelectronic properties of as-deposited and annealed GSC films. XPS analysis revealed the presence of Si—C and graphitic bonds in the as-deposited GSC, with a significant compositional shift to oxygen-rich graphite oxide/oxycarbides after annealing. REELS demonstrated increased bandgap and bulk plasmon energy due to surface oxidation, while UPS highlighted a high electronic density in the as-deposited film, diminishing after annealing. AFM revealed a tendency of as-deposited GSC grains to form smaller, sharper structures after annealing, resulting in smoother and more homogeneous surface morphology. Phase AFM confirmed graphite incorporation at grain boundaries and within the bulk, forming a composite structure. PL spectra of the as-deposited film exhibited a broad visible emission with distinct sub-peaks linked to SiC bandgap transitions and carbon-rich defects. Chromaticity diagrams indicated suitability for white LED applications. Hall effect measurements showed excellent electrical properties of the as-deposited GSC film, with high carrier density and mobility, which reduced significantly after annealing, transitioning the material to a more insulating state. These findings collectively provide a comprehensive understanding of GSC thin films’ properties and their potential applications.

Milling-Induced "Turn-off" Luminescence in Copper Nanoclusters.

Atomically precise copper nanoclusters (NCs) attract research interest due to their intense photoluminescence, which enables their applications in photonics, optoelectronics, and sensing. Exploring these properties requires carefully designed clusters with atomic precision and a detailed understanding of their atom-specific luminescence properties. Here, we report two copper NCs, [Cu4(MNA)2(DPPE)2] and [Cu6(MNA-H)6], shortly Cu4 and Cu6, protected by 2-mercaptonicotinic acid (MNA-H2) and 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (DPPE), showing "turn-off" mechanoresponsive luminescence. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction reveals that in the Cu4 cluster, two Cu2 units are appended with two thiols, forming a flattened boat-shaped Cu4S2 kernel, while in the Cu6 cluster, two Cu3 units form an adamantane-like Cu6S6 kernel. High-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry studies reveal the molecular nature of these clusters. Lifetime decay profiles of the two clusters show the average lifetimes of 0.84 and 1.64 μs, respectively. These thermally stable Cu NCs become nonluminescent upon mechanical milling but regain their emission upon exposure to solvent vapors. Spectroscopic data of the clusters match well with their computed electronic structures. This work expands the collection of thermally stable and mechanoresponsive luminescent coinage metal NCs, enriching the diversity and applications of such materials.

The luminescent behaviors and J-O theory analysis of red phosphor Ca1-xGeO3:xEu3+

The luminescent material Eu3+-doped CaGeO3 has been synthesized using a high-temperature solid-state reaction technique. The crystal structure was analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results showed that the samples belonged to the triclinic crystal system with the space group P1̅. The luminescent properties including photoluminescence excitation (PLE), Photoluminescence emission (PL) spectra, and lifetime, thermal stability, and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) have been investigated. Under near-ultraviolet excitation at 390 nm, the phosphor emits red light with the highest intensity around 611 nm, which is dominated by the 5D0→7F2 electric dipole transitions. It indicates that Eu3+ is in the inversion center of the crystal. The concentration quenching occurs at about 6 % doping from the concentration-dependent luminescence behavior. The energy transfer mechanism was analyzed to be mainly the energy transfer between neighboring ions. The thermal stability was 82.16 % at 423 K. The chromaticity coordinates are in the red area and the color purity approaches 99 %. Furthermore, the J-O theoretical results are used to confirm the experimental result. It suggests that Ca1-xGeO3:xEu3+ is an effective red luminescent material for illumination and backlight display applications.